updated 03:55 pm EST, Thu March 8, 2012

Shack Card earns $50 mail-in rebate

A day after the start of Apple's own efforts, electronics retailer RadioShack has started pre-orders for the third-generation iPad. Shoppers must pay for a $50 gift card, although the card can be used towards picking up an iPad. Like Apple, RadioShack will carry the tablet in stores on March 16th.

The retailer is promising that people using the company's Trade & Save program can get up to $350 for a used iPad 2, or $175 for an iPad 1. Using a Shack Card to buy an iPad or an iPad 2 qualifies a person for a $50 mail-in rebate, although that offer will end on March 31st. If needed a person can also buy an AppleCare+ plan through RadioShack.